Soha Nisar
As a policy analyst, the fight against poverty in Pakistan weighs heavily on my mind, especially as we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Poverty in Pakistan is not just a statistic; it’s an entrenched reality for millions. With over 58.7 million people in Pakistan living below the poverty line, the issue is far from abstract- it’s deeply rooted in our social, economic, and environmental frameworks. Poverty in Pakistan doesn’t merely reflect a lack of resources but is intertwined with systemic issues of inequality, marginalization, and often, a state of inertia where upward mobility becomes elusive. Through my engagement with Amnesty International, I have come to recognize the organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing human rights violations, particularly the pressing issue of poverty in Pakistan. According to Amnesty International, “Poverty in Pakistan is not merely an economic challenge; it is a human rights crisis affecting millions, denying them access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and adequate housing. Systemic inequality and lack of government accountability exacerbate this situation, perpetuating a cycle of deprivation that is difficult to escape.” This perspective highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach that integrates human rights advocacy with sustainable development efforts, ensuring that marginalized communities are empowered and included in decision-making processes. Living across from France Colony in Islamabad, an informal settlement where the residents, predominantly Christian, live in abject poverty,poverty isn’t an abstract concept I study in reports- it’s something I witness every day. I have long been an advocate for better conditions in these slums. The contrast between the gleaming affluence of the city and the grim reality in the slums couldn’t be starker between potential economic opportunity and harsh deprivation. What strikes me most is not just the lack of infrastructure- sanitation, water supply, or schooling- but the deep sense of disempowerment that blankets the community like a heavy fog. People here are not just battling economic hardship; they are trapped in a cycle of exclusion, stripped of the recognition and rights that should enable them to break free.During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government’s vaccination drive left entire communities in the lurch simply because they lacked national identity cards. It wasn’t just a health crisis; it was a human rights issue that exposed the gaps in our social fabric.It’s not just about income but access to tools that create real change, such as education and employment. This exclusion from the formal sector deepens mistrust in institutions and creates a sense of isolation This situation, however, is not unique to France Colony. Across Pakistan, there exists a “culture of poverty,” a concept that refers to how poverty becomes so ingrained that it shapes people’s perceptions and expectations of life. This cultural inertia makes it difficult for communities to adopt sustainable development practices or even take advantage of economic opportunities when they arise. When survival is your only priority, long-term development seems like a luxury you can’t afford.This mindset of survival rather than thriving, keeps them locked in a vicious cycle. Poverty eradication in Pakistan requires more than just throwing policies at the problem- it needs a fundamental shift in how we approach the issue. It’s not enough to focus on economic interventions or offer temporary aid. We need to dismantle the systems of exclusion that keep these communities marginalized.Sustainable development feels like a lofty ideal when people don’t even have access to basic rights. No matter how many well-intentioned policies we propose on paper, they won’t make a difference unless the community is empowered to be part of the solution. Take France Colony, for instance, sustainable practices like solid waste management or water access could improve living conditions, but the community lacks institutional support and freedom. This raises a critical question: how do we reconcile the immediate needs of survival with the long-term goals of sustainability?How can we ask people to care about clean energy or waste management when they don’t even have reliable access to food and water? For me, the answer lies in addressing the root causes of poverty first. Only by ensuring that communities have access to basic resources can we encourage them to adopt sustainable practices. Poverty and sustainable development may seem non-complementary at first glance, but they are mutually exclusive. Sustainable development can only take root if we focus on empowering marginalized communities through education, health, infrastructure, and most importantly, inclusion in decision-making processes. Accountability and governance are also glaring gaps in our poverty eradication strategies. I see laws being passed, but they mean nothing without enforcement. Decades after their settlement, the people of France Colony are still waiting for the basic rights that should have been guaranteed to them long ago. There’s a gaping divide between policy and reality, and this gap only fuels the deep distrust that residents have towards institutions. They’ve been let down too many times. As we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, my call to action is simple: we need to rethink our approach entirely.Inspired by Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach, we must recognize that poverty is not just a lack of resources but a deprivation of the capabilities necessary for individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Our strategies need to reflect that. We can’t afford to rely on short-term fixes any longer. What’s needed is systemic, long-term change that addresses the root causes of poverty and empowers communities like France Colony to be part of the solution- realize their potential, transforming survival into thriving. The fight against poverty in Pakistan isn’t a battle that will be won overnight. But if we focus on building sustainable pathways, ensuring communities have the tools to rise out of poverty, and holding our systems accountable, we can start to break the cycle. It’s not about charity or aid- it’s about creating a just, equitable society where everyone, not just a privileged few, can flourish. This is the future we must work toward, and it’s a future that starts now.
The writer is a policy analyst and researcher with a Master’s degree in Public Policy from King’s College London.